Indiana defensive stopper Victor Oladipo, an All-American candidate, sprained his ankle late in the first half Saturday against Purdue and did not return.

Oladipo, who is averaging 14.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game, injured the ankle on defense while attempting to stop Purdue’s Terone Johnson on a fast-break attempt.

Indiana defensive stopper Victor Oladipo, an All-American candidate, sprained his ankle late in the first half Saturday against Purdue and did not return. (AP Photo)

Perhaps Indiana coach Tom Crean is just being cautious. The No. 1-ranked Hoosiers led Purdue 41-29 at the half.

Oladipo returned to the Indiana bench area with 17:25 remaining in the second half, but he went to the stationary bike to attempt to get the ankle loose. He later moved alongside his teammates on the end of the bench but did not play.

Oladipo finished with three points, five rebounds and one block in 14 minutes of game action.

The Hoosiers never were challenged in this game and won 83-55 behind 22 points from reserve forward Will Sheehey and 19 from center Cody Zeller.

After the game, coach Tom Crean was non-committal about whether Oladipo would be able to play Tuesday in the Big Ten showdown at No. 8 Michigan State.